Interconnectivity, Partnership, International Cooperation – All coming together during EnergyWeek

The City of Vaasa was honoured to host the visit of the ambassadors and embassy representatives from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Latvia, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, USA, Vietnam, and Zambia on 12.03.2024.

Vaasa – The epicentre of the green transition

After EnergyWeek opened on Monday with a traditional day of Finnish exhibitions and seminars, Tuesday kicked-off the English part of EnergyWeek. The day began with an Opening ceremony. The ambassadors of Canada, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, and USA were invited to speak and participate in a panel discussion on energy efficiency and competitive business from the perspective of their respective countries. In the second seminar of the day, Circular Economy – Clusters driving the change for sustainable future, Denmark’s ambassador spoke about “The Danish Way” of thinking circular and presented examples of Danish circular economy clusters and industrial symbiosis. Afterwards, a press conference with local media was held. Next, the embassy representatives had the opportunity to visit the exhibitions at EnergyWeek, where many of them also met companies from their own home countries. Later on, the guests attended a lunch hosted by the Mayor of Vaasa Tomas Häyry. They got to meet regional partners from organisations, businesses, and educational institutions and, of course, mingle with each other. After lunch, they visited Wärtsilä’s Sustainable Technology Hub where hosts Kenneth Engblom, Vice President, Africa & Europe, Energy, and Juha Päivike, Director, Logistics Chain & Ecosystems, presented the latest developments in the green transition and the steps towards decarbonisation, which eventually all countries need to undertake.

Throughout the day, the ambassadors and embassy representatives highlighted the importance of working together and learning from one another. They all agree that “the climate transition is not a burden but a necessity and business opportunity”. Renewable energy such as solar and wind energy, batteries, waste to energy, power-to-x, green hydrogen, and carbon capture are areas of interest alongside energy independence, security, safety, affordability, and resilience. “Renewable energy is one of the most competitive forms of energy”, one representative says, “we need to consider where the market is and where the producers are and connect them with one another”. The Nordic countries are big energy producers and are, therefore, important partners in the energy transition. Finland, specifically, has great expertise and technology within the energy sector. For the embassy delegates, Vaasa is “the place to be during and after EnergyWeek” to create such connections and find inspiration.

“Be Brave” and Have Courage

“What we do this decade with climate change will reverberate for the rest of the century”, one ambassador notes. The green transition is a business opportunity which benefits the environment and the economy alike. Iceland’s transition from oil dependency to geothermal energy is a great example. Something that started out from an economic perspective and was met with much criticism has created a lasting positive effect for the environment and economy. Another example of something that was unimaginable a few years ago, is that quite literally “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure”. Importantly, “climate impact has no borders”. But “we can share knowledge across boundaries and work together as a team for a greener future”.

Education plays an important role in the energy transition. Not only in educating the general public against disinformation, but also educating future generations in being responsible, energy-efficient citizens. The delegates were impressed by the public-private sector relationships as well as their connections with schools and higher education institutions – a model we call Co-Creation in Vaasa. Finland is well-known for its good education system and universities of applied sciences and in Vaasa energy education is integrated throughout all stages. “There is much our companies can learn from Finland and Vaasa when it comes to (teaching) digitalisation and energy expertise”.

Key Impressions and Outlook

Many delegates were here for several days and got the chance to meet with representatives from the city, business, and universities separately. In meetings with the mayor and representatives from the education system, the possibilities for mother tongue education for children with migration background were discussed. The City of Vaasa is positive about such opportunities subject to the required resources.

Many delegates have raised a wish to visit Vaasa again and are excited about further cooperation possibilities between their countries and Vaasa’s public and private sector. They are hoping to find investments and financing opportunities, create business contacts, and learn more about the Finnish and Vaasa way. “The future is bright”, one representative says, “the ecosystems and tools we are creating to tackle climate issues will continue to grow”. And by coming together as countries, we can ensure that “everybody is onboard” and “no one is left behind”.